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Sistine Chapel ready for Conclave

FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican spokesman"In the Sistine
Chapel, before every seat, there is a copy of the 'Ordo Rituum
Conclavis,' which is part of the Apostolic Constitution. There's also a
copy of the Liturgy of the Hours, so they may all pray the Vespers
together.â?
On Tuesday morning, a Pre-Conclave Mass
will be celebrated. The official title of this Mass is the 'Pro Eligendo
Summon Pontifice.' It will be led by Cardinal Angelo Sodano and all
cardinal electors will be there.
To ensure the tradition of privacy during the Conclave, over 30 Vatican doors will be closed off.
At
4:30 pm cardinals will make their way to the Sistine Chapel. About an
hour later, a Monsignor will utter the famous Latin phrase "extra
omnes.' This calls for anyone who is not a cardinal elector to leave.
That evening will mark the first vote. A so called 'fumata' or smoke is
expected at around 8 pm.
FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican spokesman"Cardinals
will vote, but given the fact that it will be the first round, it's
very unlikely that a Pope will be elected immediately. So, you can
probably expect to see black smoke. Then the cardinals will make their
way back to the Casa Santa Marta.â?
The spokesperson also
talked about what exactly happens once a Pope is elected. Before he
introduces himself before the world in St. Peter's Square, he changes
clothing and wears a white Papal vestment. He reads a Bible passage
about St. Peter as cardinals promise their loyalty. Then, all together,
they pray the 'Te Deum,' which is a hymn of thanksgiving. From the
moment a Pope is elected until he's seen before the balcony in St.
Peter, about an hour will have passed.
FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican spokesman"One
thing that's new and expected this year is that before the newly
elected Pope goes out to the balcony, he will go to the Pauline Chapel
to pray before the Blessed Sacrament. He will pray alone and in silence.
Then he will go out to the balcony and impart his first Urbi et Orbi
blessing.â?
The last general congregation meeting took place
on Monday morning. Twenty eight cardinals spoke, so in total there were 161 interventions throughout their ten meetings. Among
the topics that were discussed in the last congregation meeting was the
Vatican's IOR Bank. That intervention was led by Cardinal Tarcisio
Bertone.
RCG/KLH
-AA
JM
-PR
u:VIC